TransitNet to support data upload only in .xlsx format
From the 22nd August 2024, for security reasons, TransitNet will stop supporting the use of Excel files in .xls format for data upload.
.xls is an old version of Excel which was replaced by .xlsx since 2007. Microsoft continues to support .xls files to ensure compatibility with older documents and systems however the use of .xlsx is recommended as it offers significant advantages versus .xls including;
– Better Security: .xlsx files offer improved security features, including better encryption.
– Smaller File Size: .xlsx files are generally smaller due to better compression, which helps save storage space.
– Improved Data Recovery: The .xlsx format is more robust and can recover data more effectively if a file becomes corrupted.
– Support for More Rows and Columns: .xlsx files can handle more data, supporting up to 1,048,576 rows and 16,384 columns, compared to the 65,536 rows and 256 columns limit in .xls.
– Enhanced Features: The .xlsx format supports newer Excel features, such as sparklines, conditional formatting, and improved charting options.
From the 22nd August 2024, all excel files available for download in TransitNet will only be available in .xlsx format.
What you need to do
The new excel files in .xlsx format will be available for download from TransitNet on the morning of the 22nd August 2024.
To continue to use excel files to upload data to TransitNet, users should download the templates in .xlsx format and enter all necessary data there. If users already have completed excel templates in .xls format, they can simply replace the .xls format by using “Save as” option to save to new .xlsx format.
Users who try to upload an excel file in .xls format will receive an error from the system.
In case of any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your local client centre.
